Induced acute hyperglycemia modifies the barrier function of the intestinal epithelium by tissue inflammation and tight junction disruption resulting in hydroelectrolytic secretion in an animal model.

Diabetic-metabolic syndrome (MetS-D) has a high prevalence worldwide, in which an association with the rupture of the intestinal epithelium barrier function (IEBF) has been pointed out, but the functional and morphological properties are still not well understood. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of acute hyperglycemia diabetes on intestinal tight junction proteins, metabolic failure, intestinal ion and water transports, and IEBF parameters. Diabetes was induced in male Rattus norvegicus (200-310 g) with 0.5 mL of streptozotocin (70 mg/kg). Glycemic and clinical parameters were evaluated every 7 days, and intestinal parameters were evaluated on the 14th day. The MetS-D animals showed a clinical pattern of hyperglycemia, with increases in the area of villi and crypts, lactulose:mannitol ratio, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and intestinal tissue concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), but showed a reduction in reduced glutathione (GSH) when these parameters were compared to the control. The MetS-D group had increased secretion of Na+, K+, Cl-, and water compared to the control group in ileal tissue. Furthermore, we observed a reduction in mRNA transcript of claudin-2, claudin-15, and NHE3 and increases of SGLT-1 and ZO-1 in the MetS-D group. These results showed that MetS-D triggered intestinal tissue inflammation, oxidative stress, complex alterations in gene regulatory protein transcriptions of intestinal transporters and tight junctions, damaging the IEBF and causing hydroelectrolyte secretion.

Induced acute hyperglycemia modifies the barrier function of the intestinal epithelium by tissue inflammation and tight junction disruption resulting in hydroelectrolytic secretion in an animal model

Abstract Diabetic-metabolic syndrome (MetS-D) has a high prevalence worldwide, in which an association with the rupture of the intestinal epithelium barrier function (IEBF) has been pointed out, but the functional and morphological properties are still not well understood. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of acute hyperglycemia diabetes on intestinal tight junction proteins, metabolic failure, intestinal ion and water transports, and IEBF parameters. Diabetes was induced in male Rattus norvegicus (200-310 g) with 0.5 mL of streptozotocin (70 mg/kg). Glycemic and clinical parameters were evaluated every 7 days, and intestinal parameters were evaluated on the 14th day. The MetS-D animals showed a clinical pattern of hyperglycemia, with increases in the area of villi and crypts, lactulose:mannitol ratio, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and intestinal tissue concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), but showed a reduction in reduced glutathione (GSH) when these parameters were compared to the control. The MetS-D group had increased secretion of Na+, K+, Cl-, and water compared to the control group in ileal tissue. Furthermore, we observed a reduction in mRNA transcript of claudin-2, claudin-15, and NHE3 and increases of SGLT-1 and ZO-1 in the MetS-D group. These results showed that MetS-D triggered intestinal tissue inflammation, oxidative stress, complex alterations in gene regulatory protein transcriptions of intestinal transporters and tight junctions, damaging the IEBF and causing hydroelectrolyte secretion.

Exercise training decreases oxidative stress in skeletal muscle of rats with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

The effects of exercise training on oxidative stress in gastrocnemius of rats with pulmonary hypertension were studied. Four groups were established: sedentary control (SC), sedentary monocrotaline (SM), trained control (TC), trained monocrotaline (TM). Exercise was applied for 4 weeks, 5 days/week, 50-60 min/session, at 60% of VO2 max. Right ventricular (RV) pressures were measured, heart and gastrocnemius were removed for morphometric/biochemical analysis. Lipid peroxidation (LPO), H2O2, GSH/GSSG, and activity/expression of antioxidant enzymes were evaluated. Increased RV hypertrophy, systolic and end-diastolic pressures (RVEDP) were observed in SM animals, and the RVEDP was decreased in TM vs. SM. H2O2, SOD-1, and LPO were higher in the SM group than in SC. In TM, H2O2 was further increased when compared to SM, with a rise in antioxidant defences and a decrease in LPO. GSH/GSSG was higher only in the TC group. Exercise induced an efficient antioxidant adaptation, preventing oxidative damage to lipids.

Erratic migration of Ascaridia hermaphrodita (Nematoda: Ascaridida) in a blue-fronted Amazon parrot (Amazona aestiva) from illegal wildlife trade: case report / [Migração errática de Ascaridia hermaphrodita (Nematoda: Ascaridida) em papagaio-verdadeiro (Amazona aestiva) oriundo do comércio ilegal: relato de caso]

Ascaridiasis by Ascaridia hermaphrodita is a common parasitic disease in blue-fronted Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva) and the contamination occurs by ingestion of eggs. Illegal trade of wild birds can increase the frequency of visceral erratic migration by this parasite. Hence, this report describes the erratic migration of A. hermaphrodita and associated lesions in a blue-fronted Amazon parrot. This is a retrospective study, which originated from several apprehension of illegal birds in the state of Paraíba, Brazil. Necropsy revealed intense intestinal ascarid infestation. Hepatic lesions were also observed associated with the parasite migration. Stereoscopy allowed the identification of the morphology of the parasites. Summarizing, this condition in wild birds is not fully understood and may be associated with illegal trade.(AU)

Ascaridíase por Ascaridia hermaphrodita é uma doença parasitária comum em papagaios-verdadeiros. Sua contaminação ocorre pela ingestão de ovos. O tráfico de aves silvestres pode facilitar a migração errática visceral desse parasita. Este relato descreve a migração errática de A. hermaphrodita e lesões associadas em papagaio-verdadeiro. Trata-se de um relato retrospectivo, analisado a partir de uma série de apreensões de aves no estado da Paraíba, Brasil. A necropsia revelou intensa infestação ascarídea intestinal. Também foram observadas lesões hepáticas em uma ave, associadas à migração do parasita. A estereoscopia permitiu distinguir a morfologia dos parasitas. Resumidamente, essa condição em aves silvestres é pouco conhecida e pode ser considerada, inclusive, associada à comercialização ilegal.(AU)

Cytotoxicity profile of Cronobacter species isolated from food and clinical specimens in Brazil.

AIMS: The objective of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic activity of Cronobacter strains isolated from foods (n = 50) and clinical samples (n = 6) in Brazil and genotype selected strains (n = 18) using multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) METHODS AND RESULTS: The cytotoxic activity of C. sakazakii (n = 29), C. dublinensis (n = 13), C. malonaticus (n = 6), C. turicensis (n = 6) and C. muytjensii (n = 2) was screened using Vero, RK13, Hep2c, NCTC clone 929 and BHK-21 cell lines. Selected Cronobacter strains were assigned to C. sakazakii ST 21, C. turicensis ST 252, C. sakazakii ST 647, and three newly assigned STs: C. turicensis STs 738-740. The maximum death caused by non-heat-treated filtrates was 20·4, 86·2, 47·0 and 84·0%, in Vero, RK13, Hep2c and NCTC clone 929 cells, respectively. These were caused by C. sakazakii strains C291 and C292 (ST 494) which had been isolated during neonatal Cronobacter meningitis infection, and C110 (ST 395) isolated from flaxseed flour. Thermal treatment (100°C/20 min) significantly reduced the cytotoxicity activity in NCTC clone 929 and Vero cells (P ≤ 2 × 10-6 ), but not in RK13 (P = 0·12) and Hep2c (P = 0·85), indicating the cytotoxin(s) were probably proteinaceous. Electron microscopy revealed that cytotoxic compounds from C. sakazakii induced several cell death characteristics, including loss of cell-cell contact, microvilli reduction and cellular lysis. Autophagic vacuoles and mitochondrial damage were the most common ultrastructural features observed. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that Cronobacter strains, especially C. sakazakii, could produce heat-labile cytotoxic compounds in cell filtrates. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study providing insights into the pathogenesis of the Cronobacter genus. Cytotoxins were identified in excreted filtrates of C. sakazakii strains isolated from food and clinical specimens. The presence of Cronobacter strains that can produce cytotoxins in foods can be a potential threat to human health and highlight the need for high levels of hygiene.

Frequência das doenças de pele não tumorais em cães no município de João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brasil (2014-2016) / [Frequency of non tumor skin diseases in dogs in the city of João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil (2014-2016)]

Diante da carência de estudos sobre a frequência de dermatopatias que acometem cães por região geográfica no Brasil, o presente estudo objetivou conhecer a frequência das principais doenças cutâneas que afetam cães na região metropolitana de João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brasil. Os dados foram coletados de cães que passaram por atendimento dermatológico no período de setembro de 2014 a dezembro de 2016. Além dos exames clínicos e dermatológicos os cães foram submetidos a exames complementares (citológico, raspado de pele, parasitológico, tricograma, bacteriológico, micológico, histopatológico e molecular). No período do estudo, foram atendidos 1.083 cães, em que 18,65% (202/1.083) apresentavam algum tipo de dermatopatia não tumoral. Dos 202 cães acometidos, 51,49% (104/202) eram machos e 48,51% (98/202), fêmeas. Desses 202 cães, 13 tinham dois diagnósticos, totalizando 215 dermatopatias. Dos cães afetados, 62,87% (127/202) eram de raça definida e 37,13% (75/202), sem raça definida (SRD). As lesões observadas com mais frequência caracterizaram-se por áreas alopécicas, hipotricoicas, maculosas, erosivas e ulcerativas, placoides, eritematosas, assim como comedões, colaretes, seborreia. As dermatopatias parasitárias foram as mais frequentes (35,35%; 76/215), seguidas pelas dermatopatias bacterianas (24,19%; 52/215), dermatopatias alérgicas (20,00%; 43/215), dermatopatias fúngicas (17,21%; 37/215), dermatopatias por outras causas (2,32%; 5/215) e pelas dermatopatias autoimunes (0,93%; 2/215). Os exames físicos e dermatológicos, incluindo anamnese detalhada, histórico clínico apurado, associado a exames complementares, são ferramentas importantes para o diagnóstico das dermatopatias em cães. Presume-se que a frequência de dermatopatias em cães na região de estudo possa ser maior do que a observada.(AU)

Faced with the lack of studies on the frequency of dermatopathies that affect dogs by geographical region in Brazil, the present study aimed to evaluate the frequency of dermatopathies that affect the canine species in the metropolitan region of João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil. Data was collected from dogs that underwent dermatological care from September 2014 to December 2016. In addition to the clinical and dermatological examinations, dogs underwent complementary exams, such as cytological, skin scraping, parasitological skin examination, trichogram, bacteriological, mycological, histopathological and/or polymerase chain reaction. During the study period, 1,083 dogs were examined, in which 18.65% (202 /1,083) had some form of non-tumoral dermatopathy. Of the 202 dogs affected, 51.49% (104/202) were males and 48.51% (98/202) females. Of these 202 dogs, thirteen had two diagnoses, totaling 215 dermatopathies. 62.87% (127/202) of the affected dogs were purebred and 37.13% (75/202) were without a defined breed (WDB). The most frequently observed lesions were alopecia, hypotric, macular, erosive and ulcerative, placoid, erythematous areas, as well as comedones, collaretes and seborrhoea. The parasitic dermatopathies were the most frequent (35.35%; 76/215), followed by bacterial dermatopathies (24,19%; 52/215), allergic dermatopathies (20,00%; 43/215), dermatomycosis (17,21%; 37/215), dermatopathies for other causes (2,32%; 5/215) and autoimmune dermatopathies (0.93%; 2/215). Clinical and dermatological examination, including a detailed anamnesis, accurate clinical history and associated complementary exams are important tools for the diagnosis of dermatopathies in dogs. Available literature present some studies with canine dermatopathies frequencies superior to that obtained in the present study; however, the number of animals examined was smaller. In this survey, it was possible to establish the primary and secondary diagnoses in 100.0% of the non-tumoral dermatopathies in dogs, results higher than in previous studies. Probably, the frequency of canine dermatopathies in this region is higher than that observed, thus requiring additional studies with greater sampling.(AU)

Lack of Clinical Benefit of Implantoplasty to Improve Implant Survival Rate.

The objective of this study was to compare postsurgical outcomes of resective treatment for peri-implantitis with and without implant surface modification (implantoplasty [IP]). This was accomplished by a retrospective analysis with data from patients with ≥1 implant who were surgically treated for peri-implantitis by resective therapy. Patients were divided into 2 groups regarding treatment approach: IP (test) and no IP (control). Retrospective data were obtained after implant placement (T0) and the day of peri-implantitis surgical treatment (T1). Patients were then recalled (≥1 y after T1) for clinical and radiographic examination (T2). The findings were conclusive. A total of 41 patients (68 implants; mean ± SD follow-up, 41.6 ± 24.4 mo) were included in this study. The survival rate at the implant level was 90% in the test group and 81.6% in the control group (P > 0.05). Multilevel regression analysis showed that the probability of implant failure was influenced by marginal bone loss (MBL) at T1 and not surgical modality. For example, peri-implantitis defects ≥50% and 25% to 50% MBL were 18.6 and 8.86 times more likely to lose the implant, respectively, when compared with <25% MBL. Nonetheless, MBL changes were similar in the test and control groups (P = 0.592). Similarly, changes in bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth, and suppuration at T2 did not differ between groups (P > 0.05). Multilevel regression analysis indicated that clinical improvement of these parameters was influenced by the number of supportive peri-implant therapy visits (P < 0.01). The results demonstrate little difference between the procedures. Regardless of the implant surface modification (IP) being performed or not, the survival rate of implants treated for peri-implantitis was primarily influenced by the amount of bone loss at the time of treatment. Other clinical parameters (MBL, probing pocket depth, bleeding on probing, suppuration) were influenced by the frequency of supportive peri-implant therapy visits and not by the IP procedure (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04259840).

Alanyl-glutamine protects the intestinal barrier function in trained rats against the impact of acute exhaustive exercise.

Strenuous exercise triggers deleterious effects on the intestinal epithelium, but their mechanisms are still uncertain. Here, we investigated whether a prolonged training and an additional exhaustive training protocol alter intestinal permeability and the putative effect of alanyl-glutamine (AG) pretreatment in this condition. Rats were allocated into 5 different groups: 1) sedentary; 2 and 3) trained (50 min per day, 5 days per week for 12 weeks) with or without 6 weeks oral (1.5 g/kg) AG supplementation; 4 and 5) trained and subjected to an additional exhaustive test protocol with or without oral AG supplementation. Venous blood samples were collected to determine gasometrical indices at the end of the 12-week protocol or after exhaustive test. Lactate and glucose levels were determined before, during, and after the exhaustive test. Ileum tissue collected after all experimental procedures was used for gene expression analysis of Zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1), occludin, claudin-2, and oligopeptide transporter 1 (PepT-1). Intestinal permeability was assessed by urinary lactulose/mannitol test collected after the 12-week protocol or the exhaustive test. The exhaustive test decreased pH and base excess and increased pCO2. Training sessions delayed exhaustion time and reduced the changes in blood glucose and lactate levels. Trained rats exhibited upregulation of PEPT-1, ZO-1, and occludin mRNA, which were partially protected by AG. Exhaustive exercise induced intestinal paracellular leakage associated with the upregulation of claudin-2, a phenomenon protected by AG treatment. Thus, AG partially prevented intestinal training adaptations but also blocked paracellular leakage during exhaustive exercise involving claudin-2 and occludin gene expression.

Alanyl-glutamine protects the intestinal barrier function in trained rats against the impact of acute exhaustive exercise

Strenuous exercise triggers deleterious effects on the intestinal epithelium, but their mechanisms are still uncertain. Here, we investigated whether a prolonged training and an additional exhaustive training protocol alter intestinal permeability and the putative effect of alanyl-glutamine (AG) pretreatment in this condition. Rats were allocated into 5 different groups: 1) sedentary; 2 and 3) trained (50 min per day, 5 days per week for 12 weeks) with or without 6 weeks oral (1.5 g/kg) AG supplementation; 4 and 5) trained and subjected to an additional exhaustive test protocol with or without oral AG supplementation. Venous blood samples were collected to determine gasometrical indices at the end of the 12-week protocol or after exhaustive test. Lactate and glucose levels were determined before, during, and after the exhaustive test. Ileum tissue collected after all experimental procedures was used for gene expression analysis of Zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1), occludin, claudin-2, and oligopeptide transporter 1 (PepT-1). Intestinal permeability was assessed by urinary lactulose/mannitol test collected after the 12-week protocol or the exhaustive test. The exhaustive test decreased pH and base excess and increased pCO2. Training sessions delayed exhaustion time and reduced the changes in blood glucose and lactate levels. Trained rats exhibited upregulation of PEPT-1, ZO-1, and occludin mRNA, which were partially protected by AG. Exhaustive exercise induced intestinal paracellular leakage associated with the upregulation of claudin-2, a phenomenon protected by AG treatment. Thus, AG partially prevented intestinal training adaptations but also blocked paracellular leakage during exhaustive exercise involving claudin-2 and occludin gene expression.

Caracterização anatomopatológica e imuno-histoquímica dos tumores das glândulas cutâneas em cães / Anatomopathological and immunohistochemical characterization of skin gland tumors in dogs

O presente estudo objetivou caracterizar os aspectos anatomopatológicos e imuno-histoquímicos dos tumores das glândulas cutâneas em cães. A caracterização morfológica seguiu a classificação atualizada da Organização Mundial de Saúde. Para a caracterização imuno-histoquímica, utilizaram-se anticorpos monoclonais primários anti-citoqueratina 14 (CK14), vimentina, p63, calponina, EGFR e Ki-67. Dos animais examinados, 66,67% (18/27) eram machos e 33,33% (9/27) fêmeas, 21 tinham raça definida e seis eram sem raça definida (SRD), com idade variando entre sete e 15 anos. Dos tumores caracterizados, 40,74% eram hepatoides (11/27), 29,63% sebáceos (8/27), 25,92% apócrinos (7/27) e 3,70% meibômio (1/27). Os tumores malignos representaram 55,56%, e os benignos 44,44%. Com esses resultados, foi possível demonstrar que os tumores das glândulas cutâneas em cães são frequentes, sem predileção por raça, sexo e com idade superior ou igual a sete anos. Os anticorpos CK 14, p63, vimentina e EGFR foram imunoexpressos nas células basais, células de diferenciação sebácea dos tumores hepatoides e de meibômio e células mioepiteliais. Entretanto, a vimentina e o EGFR não demonstraram imunomarcação para os tumores sebáceos. A calponina foi um bom marcador para as células mioepiteliais. O índice de Ki-67 foi mais acentuado nos tumores malignos em relação aos benignos. No entanto, estudos futuros utilizando maior número de casos se fazem necessários.(AU)

The present study aimed to characterize the anatomopathological and immunohistochemical aspects of cutaneous glandular tumors in dogs. Tumours were diagnosed according to the WHO criteria for canine skin neoplasms. For the immunohistochemical characterization, the primary monoclonal antibodies anti-cytokeratin 14 (CK14), vimentin, p63, calponin, EGFR and Ki-67 were used. Males were 66.67% (18/27) and females 33.33% (9/27), 21 had a defined race and 6 were mixed breed, with ages varying from 7 to 15 years. The tumors characterized were 40.74% hepatoid (11/27), 29.63% sebaceous (8/27), 25.92% apocrine (7/27) and 3.70% Meibômio (1/27). Malignant tumors accounted for 55.56% and benign tumors 44.44%. With these results it was possible to demonstrate that tumors of cutaneous glands in dogs are frequent, with no predilection for race, sex and with an age ≥ seven years. The CK 14 antibodies, p63, vimentin, and EGFR were imunoexpressed in the basal cells of the sebaceous cell differentiation and Meibomian hepatoides tumors and myoepithelial to cells. However, vimentin and EGFR did not demonstrate immunostaining for sebaceous tumors. Calponin was a good marker for myoepithelial cells. The Ki-67 index was more pronounced in malignant tumors compared to benign tumors. However, more studies are needed mainly using a higher number of tumors.(AU)

Acute exercise inhibits gastric emptying of liquids in rats: influence of the NO-cGMP pathway.

We previously found that acute exercise inhibited the gastric emptying of liquid in awake rats by causing an acid-base imbalance. In the present study, we investigated the involvement of the nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (NO-cGMP) pathway, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) peptide in this phenomenon. Male rats were divided into exercise or sedentary group and were subjected to a 15-min swim session against a load (2.5 or 5% b.w.). The rate of gastric emptying was evaluated after 5, 10, or 20 min postprandially. Separate groups of rats were treated with vehicle (0.9% NaCl, 0.1 mL/100 g, ip) or one of the following agents: atropine (1.0 mg/kg, ip), the NO non-selective inhibitor Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME; 10.0 mg/kg, ip), or the selective cGMP inhibitor 1H-(1,2,4)oxadiazole[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ; 5.0 mg/kg, ip), the i-NOS non-specific inhibitor (aminoguanidine; 10.0 mg/kg, ip), the corticotropin-releasing factor receptor antagonist (astressin; 100 µg/kg, ip), or the vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) receptor antagonist Lys1, Pro2,5, Arg3,4, Tyr6 (100 µg/kg, ip). Compared to sedentary rats, both the 2.5 and 5% exercise groups exhibited higher (P<0.05) values of blood lactate and fractional gastric dye recovery. Corticosterone and NO levels increased (P<0.05) in the 5% exercised rats. Pretreatment with astressin, VIP antagonist, atropine, L-NAME, and ODQ prevented the increase in gastric retention caused by exercise in rats. Acute exercise increased gastric retention, a phenomenon that appears to be mediated by the NO-cGMP pathway, CRF, and VIP receptors.

Acute exercise inhibits gastric emptying of liquids in rats: influence of the NO-cGMP pathway

We previously found that acute exercise inhibited the gastric emptying of liquid in awake rats by causing an acid-base imbalance. In the present study, we investigated the involvement of the nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (NO-cGMP) pathway, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) peptide in this phenomenon. Male rats were divided into exercise or sedentary group and were subjected to a 15-min swim session against a load (2.5 or 5% b.w.). The rate of gastric emptying was evaluated after 5, 10, or 20 min postprandially. Separate groups of rats were treated with vehicle (0.9% NaCl, 0.1 mL/100 g, ip) or one of the following agents: atropine (1.0 mg/kg, ip), the NO non-selective inhibitor Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME; 10.0 mg/kg, ip), or the selective cGMP inhibitor 1H-(1,2,4)oxadiazole[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ; 5.0 mg/kg, ip), the i-NOS non-specific inhibitor (aminoguanidine; 10.0 mg/kg, ip), the corticotropin-releasing factor receptor antagonist (astressin; 100 µg/kg, ip), or the vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) receptor antagonist Lys1, Pro2,5, Arg3,4, Tyr6 (100 µg/kg, ip). Compared to sedentary rats, both the 2.5 and 5% exercise groups exhibited higher (P<0.05) values of blood lactate and fractional gastric dye recovery. Corticosterone and NO levels increased (P<0.05) in the 5% exercised rats. Pretreatment with astressin, VIP antagonist, atropine, L-NAME, and ODQ prevented the increase in gastric retention caused by exercise in rats. Acute exercise increased gastric retention, a phenomenon that appears to be mediated by the NO-cGMP pathway, CRF, and VIP receptors.

Escherichia coli and Salmonella ser. Saintpaul natural co-infection in a free-living ruddy ground dove (Columbina talpacoti): a case report / Coinfecção por Escherichia coli e Salmonella ser. Saintpaul em Columbina talpacoti: relato de caso

This study reports a co-infection of Escherichia coli and Salmonella in a free-living ruddy ground dove (Columbina talpacoti) received at the Laboratory of Ornithological Studies of the State University of Ceará, Brazil. The bird presented diarrhea, leg paralysis and anorexia, and died shortly after. Necropsy was then performed and samples from lung, kidney, liver and intestine were collected for microbiological and histopathological analyses. Escherichia coli was isolated from cloacal swab, lung and kidney samples. Salmonella ser. Saintpaul was identified in liver and spleen samples. Escherichia coli isolates were tested for the presence of eight diagnostic genes for diarrheagenic pathotypes (STEC, ETEC, EPEC, EIEC, EAEC) with conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). EAEC was detected in the lung and kidney, and STEC in the intestine. In conclusion, Columbina talpacoti is susceptible to enteroaggregative Escherichia coli and Salmonella ser. Saintpaul infection, which may have public health implications.(AU)

Este estudo relata um caso de coinfecção por Escherichia coli e Salmonella ser. Saintpaul em uma rolinha-roxa (Columbina talpacoti) recebida pelo Laboratório de Estudos Ornitológicos da Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Brasil. A ave apresentava diarreia, paralisia nas pernas e anorexia, indo a óbito rapidamente. A necropsia foi realizada e amostras de pulmão, rim, fígado e intestino foram coletados para isolamento microbiológico e análise histopatológica. Escherichia coli foi identificada em amostras de suabe cloacal, pulmão e rim. Salmonella ser. Saintpaul foi identificada no fígado e baço. Isolados de E. coli foram testados para a presença de oito genes de diagnóstico para patotipos diarreiogênicos (STEC, ETEC, EPEC, EIEC, EAEC) através de reação em cadeia de polimerase (PCR) convencional. EAEC foi detectada no pulmão e rim, e STEC foi identificada no intestino. Em conclusão, Columbina talpacoti é suscetível a infecção por Escherichia coli enteroagregativa e Salmonella ser. Saintpaul, o que pode implicar em risco para a saúde pública.(AU)

Osteology and radiology of the Maned Wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) pelvic limb.

This study describes the osteology and radiology of the pelvic limb in maned wolves. Ten (five live and five dead) maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus), five males and five females, aged from 2 to 7 years old were used. Digital radiographs were taken and recorded for both pelvic limbs in all animals. Osteology was correlated with the radiographic images. The pelvis had a rectangular shape, and the obturator foramen (foramen obturatum) was oval. The femoral neck (collum femoris) was short and thick. The greater trochanter (trochanter major) extended proximally to near the dorsum of the femoral head (caput ossis femoris). The lateral femoral condyle (condylus lateralis) was larger than the medial condyle (condylus medialis), and the intercondylar fossa (fossa intercondylaris) had a slightly oblique orientation. The proximal tibia displayed medial and lateral condyles with the medial larger. The femur was slightly shorter than the tibia. Seven tarsal bones (ossa tarsi) were present, four long metatarsal bones (ossa metatarsalia II - V) and a short first metatarsal bone (os metatarsal I).

Evaluation of gene expression levels for cytokines in ocular toxoplasmosis.

This study evaluated levels for mRNA expression of 7 cytokines in ocular toxoplasmosis. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of patients with ocular toxoplasmosis (OT Group, n = 23) and chronic toxoplasmosis individuals (CHR Group, n = 9) were isolated and stimulated in vitro with T. gondii antigen. Negative controls (NC) were constituted of 7 PBMC samples from individuals seronegative for toxoplasmosis. mRNA expression for cytokines was determined by qPCR. Results showed a significant increase in mRNA levels from antigen stimulated PBMCs derived from OT Group for expressing IL-6 (at P < .005 and P < .0005 for CHR and NC groups, respectively), IL-10 (at P < .0005 and P < .005 for CHR and NC groups, respectively) and TGF-ß (at P < .005) for NC group. mRNA levels for TNF-α and IL-12 were also upregulated in patients with OT compared to CHR and NC individuals, although without statistical significance. Additionally, mRNA levels for IL-27 and IFN-γ in PBMC of patients with OT were upregulated in comparison with NC individuals. Differences between OT and NC groups were statistically significant at P < .05 and P < .0005, respectively.

Resposta hematológica de cavalos de enduro, que correram diferentes distâncias, no período pós-prova / Hematologic response of endurance horses that ran different distances in the post race period

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar as alterações hematológicas após provas de enduro de diferentes distâncias até 14 dias após a prova, período de recuperação metabólica e musculoesquelética, as quais ocorrem em cavalos treinados e que concluíram as competições em boas condições de saúde. Foram avaliados 32 cavalos Árabes, com 400 (±32kg), treinados para provas de enduro, que competiram em quatro provas nas categorias velocidade livre de 80km (n=13), 120km (n=14) e 160km (n=5). Amostras de sangue foram coletadas antes da largada (M0), imediatamente após a saída da última inspeção veterinária (M1) e três horas após (M2). Já nos respectivos haras, foram coletadas amostras aos três (M3), sete (M4) e 14 (M5) dias após a prova. Houve aumento dos valores de eritrócitos, hemoglobina e hematócrito após o término da prova em todos os cavalos, e esse aumento se manteve até três horas após a prova nos cavalos de 120 e 80km. Houve aumento do número de plaquetas em todos os cavalos, que permaneceu elevado até três horas após a prova e normalizou-se a partir do terceiro dia. Houve efeito (P<0,05) da prova sobre as variáveis eritrócitos, hemoglobina e hematócrito, do número de plaquetas, aumento na contagem de neutrófilos e diminuição da contagem de linfócitos após o término da prova e três horas depois, retornando ao normal a partir do terceiro dia. Um dado inédito deste estudo foi o aumento de eosinófilos sanguíneos após três dias da competição, que se manteve até o sétimo dia. Esse fato pode sinalizar a participação dessas células no processo de reparação. A avaliação dos componentes sanguíneos se mostrou uma importante ferramenta para a avaliação da recuperação dos animais. Como só foram avaliados cavalos que completaram a prova, as alterações encontradas após dias do esforço sinalizam a relevância de se estudarem melhor as etapas e os componentes da recuperação metabólica e muscular, a fim de não se cometerem excessos, retornando esses animais no tempo correto.(AU)

The aim of this study was to analyze the hematological changes after endurance races from different distances up to 14 days, a period of metabolic and musculoskeletal recovery that occured in trained horses that finished the competitions in a good health. A total of 32 Arabian horses were evaluated, with 400 (±32kg) trained for endurance races, who competed in four events in free speed categories 80 km (n = 13), 120km (n = 14) and 160km (n = 5). Blood samples were collected before the start (M0), immediately after leaving the last veterinary inspection (M1) and three hours later (M2). Already at their farms, samples were taken at three (M3), seven (M4) and 14 (M5) days after the race. There was an increase of values of erythrocytes, hemoglobin and packed cell volume after the end of the race in all horses and this increase was maintained until three hours after the race in the of 120 and 80km horses. There was an increase in the number of platelets in all horses, which remained elevated up to 3 hours after the test and normalized on the third day. All horses underwent increase in neutrophil counts and decreased lymphocyte count immediately after the race and three hours later, returning to normal after the third day. There was also pronounced increase in the number of eosinophils in all horses on the third day, which lasted until the seventh after the race. An unheard of data of this study was an increase in blood eosinophils after three days of competition that remained until the seventh day. This may signal the participation of these cells in the repair process. The evaluation of blood components proved to be an important tool for the assessment of recovery of the animals. As only horses that finished the race were evaluated, the changes found within days of effort, indicate the importance of further studies to investigate the steps and components of the metabolic and muscular recovery, in order not to commit excesses, returning the animals to activity at the right time.(AU)

Effects of aerobic exercise training on metabolism of nitric oxide and endothelin-1 in lung parenchyma of rats with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by vasoconstriction and proliferative obstruction of pulmonary vessels, which promotes a progressive increase in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). The effect of exercise training on oxidative stress, metabolism, and markers of nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) was analyzed in the lung tissue of rats with PAH induced by monocrotaline (MCT).Twenty-four Wistar rats were divided into four groups (5-7 animals): sedentary control (SC), sedentary MCT (SM), trained control (TC), and trained MCT (TM). The TC and TM groups participated in a treadmill training protocol (60% VO2 max) for 5 weeks, 3 weeks of which were performed after the injection of MCT (60 mg/kg i.p.) or saline. MCT administration promoted an increase in PVR and right ventricle hypertrophy, and reduction of right ventricle systolic function assessed by echocardiography. These changes were not improved by exercise training. The activity of NO synthase was reduced in the animals of the TC, TM, and SM groups. No significant differences were found in total nitrite concentration and expression of endothelial NO synthase. Moreover, the TM group showed strong staining for iNOS and nitrotyrosine, suggesting an increase in oxidative stress in these animals. In parallel, reduced expression of type B ET-1 receptors was noticed in the SM and TM groups in comparison to controls. In conclusion, the aerobic training protocol was unable to mitigate changes in the metabolism of NO and ET-1, probably because of the disease severity in these animals, especially in the TM group.

Detecção e avaliação do perfil de sensibilidade antimicrobiana de enterobactérias isoladas de periquitos cara-suja (Pyrrhura griseipectus) em cativeiro / Detection and evaluation of the antimicrobial sensibility profile of enterobacteria isolated from captive Grey-breasted parakeet (Pyrrhura griseipectus)

This study was conducted to detect enterobacteria in captive Grey-breasted parakeet from a commercial breeding located in the state of Ceara. 25 individual cloacal swabs were collected and this material was subjected to microbiological processing to obtain the bacterial isolation, identification, and evaluation of the sensitivity profile to antimicrobials. The bacterial isolation in ten samples was determined, belonging to the genera Enterobacter, Hafnia, Serratia, Escherichia, Pantoea and Klebsiella, in which these last three corresponded to the bacteria most isolated, with respective percentages of 28.6%, 21.4%, and 21.4%. As for the sensitivity profile, antibiotics to which the bacteria showed more resistance were trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (57%), tetracycline (21%), and azithromycin (43%). Thus, it was shown that the parakeets were carriers of Enterobacteriaceae with resistance characteristics.(AU)

Sarcoma gástrico em cão: relato de caso / Gastric sarcoma in a dog: case report

Tumores gástricos em animais domésticos são raros, e a literatura pertinente é escassa. Em humanos, esse tumor representa 80% dos tumores mesenquimais do trato digestivo, sendo mais comum no estômago (70%). Indivíduos de meia-idade e idosos, principalmente do gênero masculino, são os mais afetados, e o diagnosticado é feito com base em suas manifestações clínicas associadas à morfologia celular típica e à imuno-histoquímica positiva. O presente trabalho objetiva descrever um sarcoma gástrico em cão, assim como o diagnóstico, o tratamento cirúrgico e o pós-cirúrgico do animal. Foi atendido no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Metropolitana de Santos (Unimes) um cão macho, SRD, 10 anos, 8,3kg, castrado, com bom estado geral, com queixa de emese há um ano. Na ultrassonografia abdominal foi observada a presença de uma formação arredondada no estômago que media 3,20 x 2,61cm, localizada na região epigástrica em contiguidade com a parede. O cão foi submetido a endoscopia gástrica, em que se observou a presença de uma massa arredondada na região pilórica, confirmada na laparotomia e na gastrotomia. O tumor retirado foi enviado para avaliação anatomopatológica, e os achados foram compatíveis com sarcoma estromal gástrico.(AU)

Gastric tumors in domestic animals are rare and the literature is scarce. In humans this tumor represents 80% of mesenchymal tumors of the digestive tract, most commonly in the stomach (70%). Affected individuals are middle-aged and elderly, especially males, diagnosed from its clinical manifestations in association with typical cell morphology and positive immunohistochemistry. The aim of this report was to describe a gastric sarcoma in a dog, as well as the diagnosis, surgical and post surgical treatment. The experiment was conducted in the Veterinary Hospital of the Metropolitan University of Santos (UNIMES) on a male dog, SRD, 10 years old, 8.3kg, castrated, in a good general condition, with complaint of emesis for year. In the abdominal ultrasound exam we observed the presence of a round formation in the stomach which measured 3.20 x 2.61cm, located in the epigastric region contiguous with the wall. The dog was submitted to gastric endoscopy, in which the presence of a rounded mass in the pyloric region was observed, and laparotomy and gastrostomy were performed. The removed tumor was sent for pathologic evaluation, where the findings were compatible with gastric stromal sarcoma.(AU)

Highly Sensitive and Efficient Screening of Streptococcus Agalactiae Through Improved Real-Time PCR Protocols and Optimized Analytical Parameters.

BACKGROUND: The detection of Streptococcus agalactiae colonization during pregnancy is important in order to prevent neonatal infections and reduce mortality rates. METHODS: A highly sensitive (up to 1,000 UFC/mL), fully automated, and cost effective cylB specific real-time PCR protocol was developed for the detection of S. agalactiae in anal and vaginal swabs of pregnant women. RESULTS: From the 62 test subjects, 24 were considered positive by PCR (38%) and 14 by culture (24%; p = 0.0015). CONCLUSIONS: The observed discrepancies and the reduced turnaround time justifies molecular screening for S. agalactiae.